2018 Cadillac XT3 – Rumors & Specs

The CT6 and XT5 are Cadillac’s two first cars to use the all-new naming scheme. While many expected the CT5 to follow them, it seems that it is no longer true. Instead, the upcoming model will most likely be the 2018 Cadillac XT3. The car has been rumored for the past several years, and it was expected to be launched back in 2015.

However, Cadillac changed their plans a while ago, and the new model should be out by the end of 2017. Many official details are still unknown, but the car will most definitely be made. How are we so sure? Well, because the market shifted towards crossovers, Cadillac decided to stop developing the CT3 sedan in the favor of the XT3 crossover.

Unlike its larger cars which are all based on rear wheel drive platforms, the XT3 should get the same front-wheel based chassis as the Malibu. This would be smaller than that of its sibling, but it should give them more wiggle room as the smaller platform will also allow for better car-like characteristics. These are very important in a car as small as the upcoming XT3.

Price details – rumors

When the car hits the market closer to the end of 2017, its price should be around $35,000. This is more than the ATS but in line with most of its competitors. There will be shortcomings with going to such a small front wheel drive platform. However, thanks to its front transverse engine, it will have more legroom in the front as well as in the back. There will also be more headroom considering that it will be quite a bit taller than its sedan counterpart. The only real drawback for its cabin will be the limited luggage space, but this should still be plenty for a family of four.

Source: topspeed.com

2018 Cadillac XT3 Design & Platform

Even though the platform will be smaller, the materials and equipment will be on par with the best of its class. The design here is also expected to change when compared to the ongoing model. However, this won’t be suffering a dramatic upgrade considering that all Cadillac’s cars are quite new. The center stack will likely be slimmer in order to free up more space for the front passengers. On top of that, the dashboard will be less cluttered as most of the controls will move to a large infotainment system with a highly capable touch-screen. Things like a panoramic sunroof, reclining rear seats and even individual seats might become available shortly after its launch.

The look of the future 2018 Cadillac XT3 is likely the part that doesn’t really need any introductions. The car is most definitely going to look like a shrunk version of the XT5 with a few minor differences. For starters, some rumors suggested that it may borrow a coupe-like design, something similar to the upcoming Audi Q2. This would really impact the interior, but it would make the car a lot more striking to look at.

Source: carmodels2017.com

The Engine range – predictions

Being a front wheel drive at its core, the XT3 should use the same engines as the latest Chevrolet small family cars. In the US the XT3 should be offered with a set of two petrol engines. The base model should provide around 230 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque and be offered with front-wheel drive only. Look at it like at a fuel efficient version of a car. With a nine-speed automatic, this should easily provide well over 30 MPG on the highway. The more powerful versions of the crossover should all be offered with all-wheel drive only. Also, despite its chassis, the car will be available with the same AWD platform as the new Focus RS but without all the electronic gimmicks. The 2-liter engine should also be offered in a more powerful guise reaching as much as 300 horsepower.

The most powerful version of the upcoming 2018 Cadillac XT3, most likely a V-Sport or even a V model, would get to use a twin-turbocharged 3 liter V6. This engine is quite new for Cadillac, but it should easily fit under its hood. This would be able to provide as much as 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque and together with the all-wheel drive system, it should offer a unique experience for sure. Unfortunately, this is very likely not going to receive the new nine-speed automatic but rather an older eight-speed unit.